[JimHayes]

I am about to leave on my first truly solo bike trip. I am leaving Saturday morning heading south and east. No plan, no partner, no cares. I have always had one or more people along on any trip in the past.
I will make up the trip as I go. Don't know if I will go to West Virginia or Tennessee or New York or somewhere else. I have purposely avoided making a plan and hope to have the best time going the way the wind blows me.
I'll let you know if this was a mistake or the time of my life!

 

[JNW003]

I like spontaneity too! Enjoy your trip... :wink:

 

[tvguy]

Wander west to the rally next week... You can go to the black hills and see Mt. Rushmore and Devils Tower on the way:nerd:

 

[JimHayes]

Thank you.
I am thinking this will be one of my best trips ever. At least I know Ill like who I'm with (lol)

 

[JimHayes]

Billings!
Now that sounds like it would be fun. I have never ridden in that direction but have always wanted to.

 

[JimHayes]

I decided to head to Tenn.
I now am sitting in a hotel a few miles from the Tail of the Dragon.
I think Ill ride the Dragon in the morning then head north to the Blue Ridge Parkway. I figure Ill ride it to Roanoke Va. Before cutting thru West Virginia and so very back country roads up and down the mountains.
I must say it was a great day on the road by myself. Ran into a few nice people, helped out a fellow biker who was broke down on the side of the road. I also put about 550 miles in today. That is my single longest ride I have ever taken by myself. I did a 580 mile trip with a small group. This was much more fun. I pulled over when I wanted and stayed as long or short as I felt like.

 

[ktompkins]

Tail of the dragon is a great road but there are many roads in that area that are just as good. Take your time and enjoy the area. When riding the BRP, venture off as side areas are fabulous! I drove that area a couple of years back and can't wait to go back.
I love to ride solo as you meet fantastic people. A solo biker is a magnet in attracting people wanting to know about your travels!
Ride safe and enjoy!

 

[JimHayes]

You are soooooooo right about the roads in that area! Spent two days riding in Tenn and N.C.
What a blast! I was just totally happy riding from road to road and each being as good as the others. The Dragon was (so I'm told) not crowded when I rode it but compared to the others in the area it was like rush hour. The Moonshiner was fantastic with no traffic at all compared to the Dragon. I let Margret (the GPS) pick the roads to take home and she did a hell of a job. Some of the roads I ended up on were a little rough and I thought I had her in off road mode but all in all I couldn't have planned a better route if I had planned it.

 

[Gruivis]

Jim,

Hope you're enjoying your trip to the max. I did something similar a few years ago; with only a handful of must see destinations in mind, but no set schedule. It's a great way to explore. Don't pass up anything interesting!

Are you camping?

 

[gerhard]

I admire that you can do that and I have tried but I find it difficult to hit the road without a destination in mind. I may not know where I will be tonight but it will be along the road towards my goal.

Gerhard

 

[JimHayes]

At my job I have to plan everything. It feels like my entire life is a plan or planning to plan so I try to avoid it when I go on vacation. It was very relaxing not having to even think about having to be somewhere at a given time, or even a given day.

 

[JimHayes]

I just stayed at hotels each night. Some were good some not so good. All in all I had the time of my life. I was made aware I need a better seat then stock for my next trip!